Mr. Rex Patrick Larkin

His parents were William B. Larkin, a civil engineer, and Ola Mae Reed Larkin. After the death of his parents in 1924 and 1925 he and a brother Jerome were raised by relatives Michael and Margaret Kinsella on a farm in Merna, Illinois. They both were hard workers on the farm. Rex graduated from Trinity High School in Bloomington, Il. In 1936 he joined the US Army Air Corps. In 1938 he was discharged and returned to Illinois to farm. He and Jerome also purchased and ran a gas station for 18 months. In 1939, he and brother William B. moved to the San Diego area; shortly after, Jerome followed.

In 1942 Rex joined the US Army Air Force and was a top turret gunner and navigator on the B-17 - "Honky Tonk Sal". He successfully flew 28 missions from England over Germany and France. He earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for courage and extraordinary achievement in defending his ship during bombing attacks. He also earned the Air Medal, three Oak Leaf Clusters, EAME Ribbon with one bronze star, and a Good Conduct Medal. After the war he worked as a heavy equipment operator, with duties to include 17 months (1951-1953) in Africa working on an airfield.

Rex then returned to California (and Oregon) and joined the Operating Engineers Union and was skilled in operating heavy earth moving equipment. He retired in 1979 after over 30 years in the union and resided in San Jose until his death. After his retirement he volunteered his talents working on steam powered engines in a San Jose museum.

Rex was known for his keen mind, sharp memory, and quick sense of humor, of which he kept until his death at age 92. His family and friends will dearly miss his friendly smile, the sparkle in his eyes, as well as his patriotism to our country, his strong work ethic and his honesty.

May his soul rest in peace as he has now joined his parents and siblings. Rex was also preceded in death by his seven siblings, Edward Larkin, Florence Donnelly, Margaret Frost, Rosemary Melluish, Jerome "Romie" Larkin, Lorraine Hagood and William B. Larkin.

He is survived by 24 nieces and nephews, and many extended family members.

As he requested and following his Irish Catholic heritage, Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home on Wednesdy, April 7, 2010, at 7:00 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church on Thursday, April 8, 2010, at 10:00 a.m. Military burial to follow at Fresno Memorial Gardens next to his brother William B. Larkin.